Distance learning is here to stay. Initially on the fringes of formal education, online colleges, courses and degree programs have quickly become mainstream. Even traditional campus-based institutions have incorporated online learning into their curricula. In 2013, seven million college students — nearly 50 percent of all those enrolled — took at least one online class, with an estimated 20 percent earning an entire degree program remotely. The Sloan Consortium reports that 74 percent of today's academic leaders rate the educational outcomes of online learning as equal to or superior to those of face-to-face systems. More recruiters than ever before are embracing online credentials. Read More
A wide range of healthcare related degrees are available online, including programs in nursing, pharmacy, nutrition, personal training, public health, respiratory therapy, healthcare administration and medical and dental assisting. These online degree programs prepare students interested promoting health and wellness to ensure others maintain healthy lives. Careers in healthcare vary from hands-on positions, like working as a dental assistant, to more administrative positions, such as working behind the scenes to provide others with exceptional care. Online degrees in healthcare related fields are available at all levels, with a variety of associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate degrees to choose from.

Adult students looking to earn a degree from one of the best online schools for bachelor's degree should consider Siena Heights University. Founded on Catholic ethics, Siena Heights has gained a reputation for being one of the best liberal arts schools for adult learners and working students. Their degree programs are designed to help students further their careers, giving them the knowledge they need to make a jump from one career to another or advance further in their current field. The online school at Siena Heights is nationally recognized for the quality of their bachelor's degrees as well as their incredibly high graduation rate. Students who study at Siena can also choose to study in a hybrid format, allowing them to study both online and on-campus. There are many resources students can use as well, most of which are available entirely online.

Due to its religious affiliations, students at LeTourneau must complete courses in biblical study and other related fields as part of their general education requirements; weekly chapel services are also required. The school boasts a graduation job placement rate of 95% or higher for all academic programs. LeTourneau University receives regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

In 2019, U.S. News & World Report named ERAU the top educator of online undergraduates and the best provider of online bachelor's programs for veterans. The university offers 12 different start times for undergraduates throughout the calendar year, with each course spanning 9-12 weeks in length. Instructors deliver all coursework synchronously and follow a schedule that mirrors brick-and-mortar coursework.

Architects design the style and appearance of a building. Architectural engineers, on the other hand, focus on a building’s functionality and safety in regards to future occupants. Though some crossover exists between the two jobs — for example, architects must know the technical limits to their design work — architectural engineering generally requires a more intense mathematical and technical approach. Engineers take an architect’s design and determine the best way to make it a reality, including choosing the best support structure, designing the necessary mechanical systems, and laying out electricity and lighting systems. Architectural engineering requires occasional travel from an office workspace to on-site locations.

What you study: Child development training, infant care techniques, etiquette and manners, how to prepare nutritious meals and snacks, communicate effectively with parents and children, create learning opportunities focusing on the eight multiple intelligences, safety with CPR and First Aid certifications and Water Safety training, planning learning opportunities for children from infancy through adolescence, etc.
Despite what some students may think, online colleges are no less challenging than traditional colleges. Depending on a student's learning style, keeping up with online work may actually prove to be more demanding for some. When asked about the greatest challenges they face while studying online, a majority of students in a Learning House survey cited motivation, attention, and focus as their main concerns.
The University of Southern Mississippi began as a small teacher's school, but over time it has grown into a successful university that offers various degree programs. One thing of note about USM is that their online college is considered to be the best online college in the nation in terms of affordability. Via the online schools, students are able to study toward many of the degrees that USM offers on-campus. There are dozens of online degrees offered at different levels, all of which are accredited. The graduate programs make up the bulk of USM's online degrees, many of which are related to the field of education, going back to the school's roots. Undergraduate degrees and certificates are also available online, as are doctoral degrees.
The University of Maine was founded in 1865 along the Stillwater River in Orono, ME. Current enrollment includes 9,279 undergraduates and 1,961 graduate students. The university offers 90 undergraduate programs, 85 master's degree programs, and 35 doctorates at its flagship campus and online. It was ranked among the 50 Green Colleges by The Princeton Review and hosts one of the best online schools in Maine. In fact, UMaine Online offers two undergraduate degrees, 16 master's and doctoral degrees, and 15 graduate certificate programs. There are eight education graduate degrees online, along with in-demand MBA and social work master's programs. Online doctorates are available in biomedicine (engineering and science).
edX offers a total of 2,270 courses online in about 30 different subject areas. All of the courses are eligible to be audited for free and they come from schools such as Harvard, the Rochester Institute of Technology, MIT, the University of California, and many other universities around the globe. Over a thousand of them are self-paced but there are plenty of instructor-led options for those of you who would be interested in that instead. You can sort classes by what level they are (introductory, intermediate, or advanced), browse by subject, and choose from 16 different languages.
Northern Arizona University is a large, public institution based in the college town of Flagstaff. While the college town appeal is a big draw for NAU, many students decide to study toward an online degree. NAU is considered to be one of the best online colleges, largely because of their numerous programs offered entirely online. Through the online program, students will not only have access to their schooling whenever they want, but they also get access to technical support, library resources, tutoring and other campus resources for those who are able to commute to campus. Students aren't required to be living in the state of Arizona to attend the online school, but many of the benefits that come with their online program can only be accessed in person.
Adult students looking to earn a degree from one of the best online schools for bachelor's degree should consider Siena Heights University. Founded on Catholic ethics, Siena Heights has gained a reputation for being one of the best liberal arts schools for adult learners and working students. Their degree programs are designed to help students further their careers, giving them the knowledge they need to make a jump from one career to another or advance further in their current field. The online school at Siena Heights is nationally recognized for the quality of their bachelor's degrees as well as their incredibly high graduation rate. Students who study at Siena can also choose to study in a hybrid format, allowing them to study both online and on-campus. There are many resources students can use as well, most of which are available entirely online.
Most online bachelor's degrees at Concordia are designed as completion programs for transfer students with previously earned credits, and online courses span seven weeks in length. Roughly 95% of Concordia University graduates receive at least one offer within a year of their college graduation. The school also ranks first among all private Minnesota institutions in terms of graduate earnings, and Concordia alumni outearn the average graduate by more than 40%.

This free Christian college supplies students with programs that are shaped by fairness, peace, love, and equality, and students are only required to pay an average price of $1,000 for meals, housing, and fees. Otherwise, the entirety of an individual’s education is completely free! Over a four-year degree, students receive an education that is worth approximately $100,000. Located in the Southern United States, Berea College was founded by reformers and abolitionists with the mission to purvey the teachings and principles of Jesus Christ. Students are actively engaged on campus through the Student Labor Program, through which they serve the community and learn invaluable lessons, and which also helps keep their programs tuition free. Berea College has been recognized many times over for their dedication to students with limited resources, by resources such as Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and USA Today, as well as many others.

John Holland’s Self-Directed Search The idea here is that people and work environments fall into six categories: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional. The assessment will consider your aspirations, activities, competencies, interests and more to determine which category you fit into, and then suggest a list of careers most likely to align with your results. The test costs about $10.

The process of applying for student aid at an online college is similar to the application process at a traditional school. To be eligible, students must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA becomes available online on October 1 annually; students should start preparing their FAFSA form as soon as possible, as many awards are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Note that students applying for student aid must be enrolled at an online college that has been accredited by a federally recognized accreditation agency. The status of an online student (full time or part time) may also affect their eligibility to receive aid.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is one of the best online schools with to earn a bachelor’s degree. With over 40 years of experience in teaching through a distance learning program, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods has crafted an online program that works for most undergraduate students. Each degree is created with a busy student in mind, whether working adults or people that have family obligations. Some of the popular undergraduate options include the RN to BSN or health administration. While some programs are offered entirely online, other degrees can be completed through a hybrid of on-campus and online studies. SMWC is also among the best online colleges for graduate degrees, with all of their master’s degree programs being offered entirely online.

Sometimes the education and experience you have from one career will be beneficial in your next career. For example, if you have a degree and/or experience in Journalism, but want to transition into Graphic Design, you may already have some working knowledge of the publishing industry, design principles and computer software. This can help ease your transition, and some degree programs will even offer you credit that will get you ahead! If you want to enter an entirely new field, it might be worthwhile to consider a profession that requires less education or training. This means you can earn your certification or degree quickly, and get started in your new position. Here are a few examples:
Choosing a degree program is an exciting part of any student’s journey, but it can also be a daunting choice when there are so many unknowns. While your passions and interests should play a large role in the career path you are considering, it is important to have long-term job stability and salary in mind as well. That's why the data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is so valuable. Not only can you review industry growth metrics, but you can also compare jobs and salaries in a number of fields. To help aid you in your efforts, we have assembled a list of the Top 40 career options for some of the most popular degrees. We hope you find this information both helpful and useful!
This party idea is all about the sweets (need we say more?) As one door opens and another closes it is fun to look back on the amazing memories and welcome the sweet ones to come. Display the sentiment ‘sweet ending to a new beginning’ around the party. Incorporate bright colors into the décor like red, yellow and blue. You can also incorporate the colors of the school you’re graduating from for a more regal feel. It wouldn’t be a sweet ending without candy galore. Have a candy bar at the party and utilize bright colors in the décor to say goodbye to the grad’s sweet college career.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the country's largest accredited institution that primarily offers degrees in aviation and aerospace technology. Undergraduates choose from 16 online bachelor's programs, including subjects such as aviation business administration, homeland security, safety management, and unmanned systems applications. The selection for graduate students focuses on similar topics, as options include online master's degrees in aviation and aerospace sustainability, cybersecurity management and policy, and systems engineering. The school also offers a Ph.D. in aviation.

Drexel University is a private research university in Pennsylvania that currently enrolls over 24,000 students. Drexel students have the opportunity to complete their degree on campus or through a variety of online courses. The online university programs offer the same educational opportunities to students as the campus programs, including financial aid, academic advising, 24/7 tech support and career resources. Students pursuing an online degree from Drexel are instructed by the same prestigious faculty as their on-campus peers. Through Drexel’s Online Partnerships program, working professionals at more than 500 companies can benefit from reduced tuition rates to pursue their degree without leaving their current job.

Tuition rates vary by degree subject, but most courses cost the same per credit regardless of the student's state residency status. Military servicemembers and veterans qualify for discounted tuition rates and fee waivers. Additionally, prospective students with a military background seeking a non-nursing degree do not need to submit an application in order to earn admission.

The University of Illinois at Springfield has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best online colleges for its bachelor's programs, as well as its MBA. Part of what makes the University of Illinois at Springfield a good choice is its partnerships with numerous community colleges, which allows students to easily transition from associate's degree programs to higher-level degrees. In addition, there are 2+2 Agreements that give students the opportunity to begin their bachelor's degree programs as they're still working on their associate's degree. And once students do transition into the school, they can earn a variety of graduate and undergraduate degrees. For example, the college has bachelor's degrees in history, psychology, math, computer science, and philosophy, as well as master's degrees in education, public health, legal studies, political science, and data analytics.

Ball State University, located in Muncie, Indiana, has an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. This degree is designed for childcare professionals who work full time and is a degree-completion program. Admission requires an associate degree in early childhood education and a minimum GPA of 2.0. The program focuses on building environments for effective learning that are supportive of the family. The program does not lead to teacher licensure. Resident undergrad online tuition is $304 per credit or $510 per credit for nonresidents. Sample courses include Infant and Toddler Curriculum and Development, Culture and Language in Teaching and Learning, and Assessing Young Children with Exceptional Needs.
Principals must also complete a principal preparation program or internship to develop their leadership skills and their knowledge of how to improve students' educational experiences. Other requirements often include passing an exam to demonstrate basic reading, writing, and math skills; passing a state-based educator standards exam; and submitting to a criminal background check. Some states have different levels of principal certification, starting with an initial "residency certificate" and advancing to a "professional certificate" after two years of experience as an employed administrator. Some states break down their certifications even further for elementary vs. secondary school principals, while other states have the same requirements for both academic levels.
Occupation Finder. Within the Occupational Outlook Handbook is the Occupational Finder, where you can browse through a list of more than 800 occupations to see the projected growth, median salary information and education or training necessary for each. If you have a few options in mind, this tool can help you easily compare them and narrow your choices.
Kennesaw State University offers several online undergraduate programs for business majors. These include bachelor's degrees in information security and assurance, marketing, manufacturing operations, and supply chain logistics. Other options include online degrees in cybersecurity, information technology, and five social sciences fields. Online graduate students at Kennesaw State can choose from 19 master's pathways and two doctoral degrees, most of which concentrate in business and/or technology. The school offers many of its online programs as on-campus degrees and/or in hybrid formats.
In addition to the standard bachelor's pathways listed above, transfer students with an associate degree can follow an accelerated cohort track with the same group of students and complete their undergraduate studies in two years or less. Other available options include course clusters that combine three interrelated courses into a single 12-week term. The school offers open enrollment, so students may begin their coursework at various points throughout the calendar year.

The search tool below has been designed to help simplify the process of comparing online colleges and programs. Users can evaluate distance learning options based on important factors such as enrollment, tuition, and academic program availability. Armed with this information, students can make an informed decision about which online university fits their personal, educational, and professional needs.

Many, though not all, of the private schools offering online programs are religious schools. Some of these schools incorporate scripture into their online program, though others do not, and have no religious requirements for distance learners. Private non-profit schools are often more expensive than other four-year options, so be sure to do your research and find a school that fits with your budget.

The University of Florida is one of many online colleges that offers a comprehensive selection of online degrees at the bachelor's level, master's level, and doctoral level. Opportunities for undergraduates include bachelor's degrees in popular fields such as business administration, computer science, nursing, and psychology. Students also enjoy online options in specialized fields such as fire and emergency services, microbiology and cell science, and sport management. Graduate students can choose from a total of 77 online master's degrees, most of which focus on STEM fields and specializations, and nine online doctorate programs.